, much of the international community is focused on the conflict in syria. u.s. presidentbarackobamainhis address called for world leaders to end the regime of bashar al assad. >> the emir of qater, which is reportedly spending symbols -- emir of qatar, reportedly funding rebels, went so far as to say the regime should be taken down. russia and china indicated they have no intention of abandoning assad. >> the conflict in syria overshadowed every other topic at the opening of the general assembly in new york. the u.n. security council remains divided over sanctions against damascus, which have been blocked by syrian allies. u.n. secretary-general ban ki- moon renewed his call for sanctions against syria. >> this is a serious and growing international -- that to international security. >> he said the council could no longer turn a blind eye to syria where he said the conflict has claimed 27,000 lives. u.s. president barack obama also condemned the violence. >> in syria, the future must not belong to a dictator who massacres his people. if there is a cause that cries out for protest

's right to civilian nuclear research. his speech came a day afterpresidentobamatoldthe general assembly that washington would do whatever is necessary to prevent iran from getting nuclear arms. >> ahmadinejad used his final appearance on the united nations stage to criticize israel once again. >> continued threats by the uncivilized zionists to resort to military action are a bitter reality in my great country. >> western nations, which accused iran of developing nuclear weapons, usually walk out during his speeches, but the seats filled up with this man took the stage -- the egyptian president addressed the assembly on the need for international negotiations rather than military intervention in syria. >> we need a solution that preserves the unity of this brotherly state, involves all factions of the syrian people without mitchell, religious, or sectarian division. >> he also said it was outrageous that palestinians are still being denied their right to an independent state. the dig at israel was no doubt appreciated by iran. >> for more, we go now to our correspondent, who is

to lower restrictions on finance and investment.theobamaadministrationwill need to get approval from congress for the changes. some u.s. lawmakers remain concerned about myanmar's treatment of political prisoners and ethnic minorities. washington will keep a watchful eye on the progress of myanmar's reforms as it eases sanctions. now, aung san suu kyi is also in new york on wednesday. she took part in a u.n. symposium on education. she's been working hard to improve myanmar's ties with the outside world. observers say thein sein is stressing his alliance with the opposition leader to convince western nations to eliminate sanctions against myanmar. >>> torrential rain continues to wreak havoc across pakistan. at least 370 people have been killed and almost 1,200 injured during this year's monsoon. the national disaster management authority says southern sindh province is hardest-hit. 188 people have been killed and more than 28,000 displaced in the area. heavy rain has also devastated the eastern province of panjub. 60 people there have died. army troops are working around the clock t